Airbus reorgs US defense biz, names new president

Airbus reorganizes its U.S. defense and space business in concurrence with the appointment of a new division president.

Airbus said Wednesday it has expanded the aperture of its U.S. defense and space business in concurrence with the appointment of Chris Emerson as president of that division.

The Herndon, Virginia-based unit known as Airbus Defense and Space Inc. will now include government and military programs in the aerospace giant’s helicopter business, which Emerson formerly led as president prior to this promotion.

In addition to airplanes and helicopters, Airbus Defense and Space Inc. provides public safety, space, electronics and other technologies to the Defense and Homeland Security departments.

Emerson has led the U.S. helicopter business for nearly four years as president and was formerly an executive in Airbus’ commercial aircraft division.